Disclaimer:

This disclaimer applies for all chapters.
I do not own any of the characters or story from Eureka Seven or AO. The work of brilliance is done by none other than the staff at BONES. Please support the official DVD releases or manga by Funimation!

Author notes: A lot of people were unhappy with the rushed conclusion of the Eureka Seven AO series, mostly because there were a lot of unanswered questions concerning Eureka and Renton. Here, I would like to re-write the series in a way, and attempt to portray the story presented in AO from the perspective of Renton, like in the original series. I appologize in advanced if there are inconsistencies, especially when the time travel aspect comes in. It starts from the very end of episode 50. I hope you like it. ^_^

PART 1: RENTON.

Chapter 1

The dreary blackness of space expanded in every direction, engulfing me. I never noticed how small I was. Being a kid in a town was one thing, but compared to the earth I was the equivalent of sugar particles ants would carry away to eat. Even so, despite the large scale, I had never felt as calm as I did now with Eureka in my arms. She was my spaceship, and I was safe within her atmosphere. These are the sort of feelings you only receive a few times in a lifetime.

Sis, if you had told me all you did a few years ago, I wouldn't have believed you. It's a real marvel to reflect on how much has changed – our living circumstances, status of work, but Eureka and I the most. I guess real life is always harder to believe.

"Renton, let's go home" Eureka said, her long hair floating in the air.

"Let's go back to our planet" I told Eureka, and I placed a much-awaited kiss on her lips. She was a little cold, but not nearly as much as she was before. Could the fact she had grown to be more human installed warm blood in her veins? If she was a cold blooded creature, I wanted to keep her warm forever.

I wonder where home is.... I wondered, looking down at the ocean that was slowly getting more identifiable. I should go back to Bell Forrest, if this war is truly over...

I held on tighter to her as we broke the many atmosphere's of the earth. Sky diving is not my speciality, but I manage by imagining I have a board beneath my feet. I grabbed onto her hands, and we fell. Gravity fought against us holding hands, but I fought back.

"I don't think I want to be with other people right now" Eureka said "It's just so nice with the two of us. Maybe we can stay somewhere for a little while before we go back"

"I think I would like that" I agreed.

In the end, it's easy to say nothing will change, but life happens outside of people's control a lot of the time. Sis, I think that's what people mean when they say 'Life gets in the way', because despite your best efforts, things rarely go according to plan.

As the wind accelerated and rushed through my ears, all sound was eliminated from my perception. I felt like I was flying again with her. The world was perfect at that moment, and every moment that existed with Eureka in it. I was so focused on the euphoria in my heart that I struggled to hear the words that were busting out of Eureka's mouth. Her expression displayed one of distress.

"RENTON!" Eureka screamed, losing grip on my hand "What about Nirvash?!"

I snapped out of my daydream and pulled her close to me, and was proud to see Nirvarsh had already heard us. She poised herself below and we fell into the cockpit. I braced myself for the impact, but it didn't reduce the thundering pain.

"OUCH" I rubbed my head, squinting. "Are you alright, Eureka?"

Eureka groaned "It hurts a little"

I grinned "Well, if you're falling at a million miles per hour, there ought to be bumps and bruises, right?"

Eureka looked at me like I was crazy, and then smiled a little.

"I guess you're right"

A large crunch pounded through my eardrums.

"What the-"

Eureka had a similar reaction. She jumped up immediately and moved to the side of the cockpit.

"Nirvash! Are you alright?"

I copied her, and looked over the side of the edge. Nirvash's eyes were flat.

"I think Nirvash might be tired, Eureka" I said, putting a hand on her shoulder "We've definitely hit the ground, at least"

"Where are we?" Eureka opened the entrance to the cockpit and looked around. We were in a dense forest of some kind, populated by gorgeous pine trees, and Nirvarsh had broken a few branches on the way down. I climbed out of the cockpit and jumped off.

"Let's find out"

I took Eureka's hand as she cautiously slithered out of the Nirvash as well. She put a hand on Nirvash.

"What should we do, Renton?" she sounded worried "We can't leave Nirvarsh here. She wanted to leave, too"

"Would you like to rest with Nirvarsh?" I put a finger on my chin "I'll just take a stroll around, and see if we can find help"

"Renton" Eureka began.

I looked into her beautiful purple eyes. She looked terrified at the thought of leaving me. I put a hand on her shoulder.

"I promise if I don't find anything I'll be back. I just want to figure out where we are. Wait here, okay? I'm sure Nirvash wanted to help us, otherwise she wouldn't have come."

Eureka nodded, still looking concerned.

"Will you come back before the sun goes down?"

"I promise."

Tentatively I kissed her on the cheek "Nirvash will keep you company"

I glanced at Nirvash for some reassurance but she was still looking out of power. I couldn't let that get in the way. I turned on my heel and stomped away from them, ankles aching from the extra effort of heaving myself through sand.

It was peaceful and quiet. I spotted a Punchanut on one of the trees, so assumed I must be in the same area my Uncle lives. How close I was to it, I don't know. The sand had a thicker, graininess to it that was a different coarseness to the sand I was used to. Still, we appeared to be on a coastline. It wasn't too different to the area we had just left.

It wasn't 10 minutes when the forest began to end and the hints of a town began to display themselves. I peered through some bushes, and tried to identify any threats. The street ahead of me looked like part of a conservative marketplace. Right in front of me looked like a second-hand boot seller. Stone pavement littered the roads and the painted bricks had a pasty, worn out look about them. Its civilians looked cautious, but otherwise quite normal. They wore clothes of brands I recognized and spoke Japanese. I looked at my hands, and put them in my pockets.

I hope no one recognizes me

Clearing my throat, I stepped casually out of the bushes and joined the sidewalk behind an elderly couple. Signs around said this was a town a few hours South of where my uncle raised me, called Nagusami. No wonder the styles were familiar.

A young girl around 12 walked past me from in front, she had sleek black hair and blue eyes. I wouldn't have cared, but she looked like a mini version of Ray. She caught my eye and blushed. I smiled.

That's cute, I thought, she must be shy.

I scanned the sidewalk for more signs when there was a tug on my shirt.

"E-excuse me"

I turned. It was the young girl.

"I might have got it wrong, but are you Renton from Ray-Out?" she asked.

"Ray-Out?" I laughed, trying to hide my surprise "People read that stuff here?"

"Shh!" she put a finger to her lips "It's not a cool thing to like, but I've always been a fan. So are you him?"

She shuffled her feet and looked side to side, as though afraid someone might see her. I smiled, bent down and whispered in her ear.

"It is me"

Her eyes went wide and she squealed.

"Sorry miss," I was blushing myself now "Is it rude to ask your name?"

"I'm Annie - very pleased to meet you!"

She bowed down. I grinned sheepishly.

"I don't think there's any need to be so formal" I said "Where are you going?"

"I'm going grocery shopping" Annie said, gesturing to her shopping bags "My mum's got the flu so I've endeavoured to make her the best miso soup on the planet"

"Hehe, that's sweet of you" I said "Is it okay if I come with you? I have some questions I would like to ask"
"Sure!" Annie appeared overwhelmed. Her eyes lit up, brighter than the sun. I almost had to squint to take it in.

"This way!"

She took my hand and painfully pulled me in the direction she was originally going. Bewildered, I regained my usual walking pace. Despite how tiny she was, she had a great deal of energy. Maybe it was because she was so excited to see me. I didn't think I was that interesting of a person.

"So what brings you to Nagusami?" she asked "I thought you were on the Gekko"

I scratched my head "Well, it's hard to explain. I crashed here by accident, and Eureka and I were hoping to have a little holiday before we made our way home"

"That sounds so romantic!" Annie smiled "does that mean you've finally kissed Eureka?"

I bowed my head, blushing furiously "Why does the public even care about that stuff?!"

"Because you're an amazing person, Renton" Annie smiled "I mean, your Dad's a hero, and you've just succeeded in doing the same, right?"

"I s-suppose" I brushed my nose, trying to encourage my skin to return to its normal colour. "Jeez, the news sure travels fast"

"DUH" Annie pulled on my arm "Live news?!"

"Oh, yeah"

She had a point, but I was hoping not too many other people recognized me. I glanced sideways, and noticed a number of people doing double-takes. I was in trouble. I wouldn't even have 2 seconds of a holiday if the public was going to replace the paparazzi. Oh, no. The paparazzi! I stopped dead.

"Hey, Annie" I proclaimed "Do you know any good clothes shops? I don't have much money, but I don't want anyone to recognize Eureka and I on this trip. I know I've only just met you, but is there any chance we could stick around just until we figure out what we're doing?"

Annie did scream that time. She jumped up and down.

"OF COURSE! God you're way more awesome than Ray-Out makes you out to be!"

Thanks, Stoner – I thought.

"Thanks, but please, keep your voice down" I hissed.

Annie was quick on her feet. She peered suspiciously around at everyone before pulling me into an alleyway.

"If I get you clothes, we can talk normally, right? Can you help me take care of my Mum?"

"Absolutely, just – I need to find clothes for Eureka too. I want to go back and get her before we go to the grocery store… is that ok?"

"Agreed" Annie smiled, "This is going to be the best day ever!"

She yanked my arm as she made her way past the few stores into one hidden in the corner. At least having a fan club meant that she was willing to assist me. The store name was faded, crooked, and listed "KOOKI 38". It looked suspicious, like an old pub that was about to go out of business. However, it wasn't right to judge considering my Grandpa's business looked just like it.

'Are you sure this is alright?" I asked, a little taken aback. Annie nodded.

"There's nowhere better. My brother works here, so he may be able to get us a discount"

I sighed, relieved "Ok."

She pulled me inside before I could say anything else.

The store was a lot bigger on the inside, decorated with torn up strips of second hand clothing, and playing the latest remixes on a pair of year-old speakers.

Annie reached the counter, where an older boy, probably 19, was sitting, with earplugs in his ears. He sipped a mug of coffee and sat up.

"Why hello assumed friends of Annie" he said, pulling one of the earplugs out "How may I help you today?"

"I need something which is completely different to the clothes I'm wearing right now" I explained in a rush. It sounded like a blubber of nothing. The boy squinted at me, as though trying to read me.

"Are you my ex-girlfriends current boyfriend?" he asked.

"Um, no. I'm… uh…"

"Idiot!" Annie kicked the counter "He's Renton from Ray-Out"

"I thought you looked familiar." He leaned forward and offered out his hand "It's Florence. Pleasure to meet you, good sir. I hope my sister isn't being a pain"

"No, she's just very enthusiastic" I mumbled, returning the handshake. Florence sighed.

"Don't ever buy her ice cream. That's the only warning I'll give you. Now I'm sorry to ask my dear Renton, but I'm not familiar with what you do"

"He's part of the Gekkostate and he just saved the world!" Annie exclaimed. Florence titled his head.

"Really?"

"Yes! He's worthy of a more polite introduction"

"N-no, I'm really not" I said. Florence took a sip of his coffee.

"Sorry, I don't watch the news."

"It's fine" I said, blushing. Sis, I think I liked the contrast of opinion. I don't think I could cope with two insane fans. Florence took a good look at me.

"You're soft. Your clothes reflect that. It's worth investing in something that is completely opposite to your character"

"I-It is?"

"Absolutely, especially if you want no one to recognize you… do you mind if I pull out some outfits?"

"I'm not fussy, so whatever you think will be fine"

"Excellent."

Florence stepped out from behind the counter "I've been manager for a few months, so I get to control some of the stock that comes in. Come with me"

Annie didn't seem thrilled with her brother's nonchalant attitude, but I liked how efficient he was. He was a lot taller than me, with slick black and brown hair, blue eyes, like her sister. He had piercings in his ears and was wearing a smart combination of jeans, colourful shirt and a bunch of accessories. He was nerve-rackingly silent, as he stalked through the store and picked things off the shelf.

"It's a good thing you're looking for something tough-guy, we just had a sale on that stuff"

"Don't make him look stupid, Flo!" Annie yelled.

"Hush, child. I won't do any such thing" Florence put a hand up, silencing her. I was beginning to like Florence more and more. He stood still, pensive.

"So, um, why don't you watch the news, Florence?" I said, trying to create conversation.

"Journalism is corrupt. I don't think it's worth the effort. You never know what's true or not. That's why I like clothes. They have set rules. What you see is what you get. You can both mislead and charm people based on what you wear"

This must be the sort of thing Gidget and Moondoggie follow, I thought.

"Tell me Renton, were you named after the Renton from the movie Transpotting?"
"Is that a recent movie? I haven't heard of it" I said.

"It came out hundreds of years ago. It's in an art museum." Florence said.

"Why would he care about stupid things like that?" Annie said "No one has even seen those movies except Dad"

"Does your Dad work in the museum?" I asked. Florence nodded.

"Sure does. There were a few items of sentimental value people have managed to find. Apparently it was a very highly reviewed film. Annie was also named off a character in a movie"

"How fascinating" I said, wondered by all I didn't know "Were you named off a movie character too then, Florence?"

"No, actually – some music group"

"Wow" I grinned, "I never knew there were any museums in these towns"

"There isn't. Dad lives miles away in a big city. He wants me to take over the family business, but I don't really care about history"

"I know how you feel. My grandpa wanted me to take over his mechanic business"

I felt a stab in my heart. Would grandpa still want me to do that now that the war was over?

I looked up, as Florence pushed a pile of clothes on coat hangers in my hand.

"Change rooms are over there. Don't trip over, buddy "

What am I doing?

I took off my clothes one by one, anxious Annie would peek under the curtain. I folded them, taking as much time as possible.

Why didn't we just tell Nirvarsh to go back to Bellforrest?

I thought back to Eureka, and realized what the clenching of my stomach meant. I wasn't ready to face the world again. I was tired of fighting and trying to figure things out. I just wanted to stop dealing with other people and have some time to myself. It's a holiday well earned, right?

Would my grandfather want things to go back to the way they were? I never wanted to be a mechanic and I don't want to start now. Joining the Gekko had been my dream, but what would happen to them now that Holland and Talho were going to start a family? Now that the world had been saved, it was as though the Gekko would have to take a break as well.

My dream had ended, and I wanted a new dream. I wanted a new life, but I didn't know where or why or how. I just knew I wanted to be with Eureka. To do that I needed to be a new person… even though I had changed so much with Eureka, it needed to continue. I had to integrate into the real world now, and get a job like Florence. Sadly, the sinking feeling only increased and I felt depressed at the thought of a holiday. In all my years at school I had never thought once of what I would do with my life once I left. Eureka just smashed into my house and I stopped thinking about that stuff entirely. It was never an option, but now it was.

I put on the last of the clothes Florence gave me and stared back at the man I was going to be. A tough guy, he had said. I don't want to be a tough guy. I don't know who I want to be right now.

I was wearing something perhaps Holland would like. It was in dark colours, brown, black… I had a long black jacket to complete the look. I guess I looked like a bounty hunter or a rock star or something.

Despite the change in my appearance, it was still the same anxious face staring back at me in the mirror.

"You done yet, Renton?" Annie pined. I sighed.

"Just a sec"

The minute I walked out, Annie's eyes opened wide like oranges, and she collapsed to the ground.

"Oh no, are you alright?!" I gasped, bending down to the ground to check on her. Florence approached me.

"You didn't give her ice cream, did you?

"No, I swear."

"She must have fainted from shock or something"

Florence took a few steps back.

"Let me take a look at you, Renton"

I stood up, and blushed furiously.

"Looks different and it looks good" Florence nodded "What do you think?"

"It's definitely not me" I agreed "How much is it? I don't have lots of money, but Annie said I could come to your place with Eureka and earn some money"

"God, she did?" Florence exclaimed, and he put his palm to his face "How do I say this? I have my doubts she would be happy with it. She hates Ray-Out"

"Are you serious?"

"You said you were on a holiday, right?" Florence checked. I nodded.

"That's right"

"Yet you're behaving like fugitives. Are you sure you didn't do anything bad?"

"N-no… I don't know how the TV has portrayed it, but I think I did the right thing. There aren't anti body Coralians attacking everyone at least"

"That is a marked improvement" Florence said "Look mate, I don't trust the media, so I think you're doing the right thing. I think Annie got a bit excited when you said you wanted to stay. She doesn't often think about other people's feelings. It's just the age she's at."

"But if there's no chance, what should I do?"

"There may be a way to get around it" Florence nodded "for one, I can help you get a job. I don't mind if you come over with Eureka. The question is how to convince Mum."

"Maybe I should go by a different name? We won't be there for too long"

"At the moment, that will have to do"

"Can you think of a name? I need some different clothes for Eureka too, if that's ok"

"How about you can be Calvin and Eureka can be Jessica?"

"Um… do you think Calvin suits me?"

"Absolutely not, but that's what we want, right?" Florence said "C'mon, I'll just say you're visiting from further down the coastline. If we say you're getting married I'm sure she'll be a lot more accommodating. My mum's very old fashioned like that"

"M-m-Married!?" I blushed furiously "B-b-but I'm too young to be married"

"Nonsense. Romeo and Juliet got married at your age"

"Who are they?"

"Never mind"

I pressed my fingers together nervously "Ok, I'll think about it. Um… does Annie usually fall over like that?"
"I don't even care anymore. She's a very random girl"

"That's a horrible thing to say about your sister" I protested. Florence shrugged.

"She's not a very logical person. I stopped trying to figure her out a long time ago"

"I see" I frowned, and took a moment to gather my thoughts "It's just I don't mean to pry, Mr Florence, but if she was my sister I would want to look after her"

"Be my guest, Calvin. I don't have the time. She's very capable and independent. Say, while she's out, how about we find something for your precious bride-to-be?"
"HEY!'

Sis, I'm afraid this was the beginning of the end. I never would have thought so at that moment.

I suppose that's why people say 'Life gets in the way'. I understand now, sis. I don't know what was going through my head before. But it's sad, because all these wonderful people would be gone soon.